Govt. pledges to safeguard crew of hijacked cargo vessel

• Concerted effort to be made after attempt by Somali troops to regain control of oil tanker fails 

 By Asnah Anver 

The Government yesterday assured that it would work to safeguard the lives of eight Sri Lankan crew members on the Aris-13 cargo ship which was hijacked by Somali pirates earlier this week, following a failed rescue attempt by the Somali Government on Thursday. 

Ports and Shipping Deputy Minister Nishantha Muttuhettigama yesterday told reporters the Government, was making all possible efforts to rescue the Sri Lankan crew. 

He added that the President would likely be briefed on Thursday as to what further action should be taken. Reports that a ransom had been demanded were not officially confirmed. 

Merchant Shipping Secretariat Director General Ajith Seneviratne and AJ Shipping head Tyronne Fernando also said that the ship’s owner was dedicated to ensuring the safety of the crew. Fernando, whose company recruited the crew, stated that the owner of Aris 13 had notified them that the crew was well and had been communicating with officials. 

According to information received from the owner, the cargo, which was being transported from the East African nation of Djibouti to the Somalian capital of Mogadishu, belonged to the Somali Government and the ship had been hijacked. The owners of the vessel are taking necessary action to negotiate and gain the secure release of the crew members as soon as possible since the crew members were the main priority, Fernando assured.  

“The ship was temporarily registered under a Sri Lankan flag until 21 January 2017 before being registered under the Comoros flag,” Seneviratne noted. Even though only five crew members were recruited through AJ Shipping and registered by the ministry, both Seneviratne and Fernando said all efforts would be made to rescue the eight crew members. 

On Thursday international media reported that the pirates holding the Sri Lankan crew hostage had opened fire on the Somali maritime police, which was attempting to intercept and recapture the oil tanker.  

Aris 13 is owned by a Panamanian company, Armi Shipping, and managed by Aurora Ship Management, which is based in the UAE. It is presently reported to be in the Puntland area of Somalia.